Hansbrough leads UNC to easy win over Florida Atlantic

Dec 20, 2006 - 5:21 AM
CHAPEL HILL, North Carolina (Ticker) -- Tyler Hansbrough and
North Carolina performed like Roy Williams had something against
one of his former players.

A 6-9 sophomore, Hansbrough scored 14 of his 20 points in the
first half and freshman Brandan Wright added 15 as the
second-ranked Tar Heels rolled to a 105-52 victory over Florida
Atlantic in a non-conference matchup and first meeting between
these programs.

Reyshawn Terry and freshman Wayne Ellington both had 14 points,
combining to hit six 3-pointers, and freshman Ty Lawson
collected eight assists and four steals for North Carolina
(9-1), which extended its winning streak to six games.

While Williams was the coach at Kansas, Rex Walters, the Florida
Atlantic coach, was an impact player in his backcourt from
1991-93. The Jayhawks went 56-12 during those two seasons and
reached the Final Four in 1993.

But now Walters is in his first season as coach at Florida
Atlantic (4-7) and his club was no match for the No. 2 team in
the country.

"You guys have no idea what it's like to coach a youngster who
gave you every ounce of his heart, body and soul, and then to
see him (Walters) down on the other end of the bench," Williams
said. "That youngster is going to be a great college coach and
he was a truly a great college player. I'm where I am today
because of Rex Walters and some other guys."

Hansbrough, who made 6-of-7 shots and 8-of-9 free throws, helped
the Tar Heels race ahead to a 34-5 lead through the first 11
minutes. UNC held a commanding 65-18 advantage at the break.

"It was just one of those nights when everything seemed to be
falling for us," Hansbrough said. "We tried to play the way
that we do and things just went well for us."

The Tar Heels netted 74 percent (20-of-27) of their attempts
before halftime, while the Owls connected on just 24 percent
(6-of-25) during that span.

"Everybody was moving the ball, setting screens for each other
and trying to make shots for other people. That's why we scored
so much," Lawson said.

At one point during the second half, UNC led by 66 points.

"Sometimes I might feel sorry for them (Owls)," Lawson said.
"But we keep playing hard. The wrath of Coach (Williams) would
be worse than feeling sorry for them. So we just keep putting
it on them."